By Robyn Bruggeman
Lent is one of the most beautiful and tangible examples of what it means to live liturgically. When we observe Lent, we are not just marking days on a calendar or checking off spiritual disciplines—we are stepping into the rhythm of the Church, walking intentionally and intimately alongside our Lord. This is liturgical living.
The Church invites us into the desert with Jesus.
Through fasting, we learn holy detachment.
Through prayer, we deepen our intimacy with him.
Through almsgiving, we live his love poured out for others.
Lent is meant to be entered into—an invitation from our Church. As Jesus withdrew into the desert, so we, too, are invited to step away from noise, excess and distraction and allow (and trust) the Lord to reveal what needs to be purified, healed or surrendered. Lent becomes a sacred season of making room—purging what draws us away from God and filling those emptied spaces with more of him. A common theme for Lent is: “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Ps 51:12).
March: A month dedicated to St. Joseph
In the Catholic Church, the month of March is traditionally dedicated to St. Joseph, guardian and foster father to Jesus, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and patron of the universal Church. As Lent often unfolds during March, St. Joseph stands before us as a powerful model of quiet strength, faithful obedience, humility and trust in God’s plan.
St. Joseph teaches us how to live the interior life: how to listen, act, provide, protect and love without seeking recognition. His example is especially fitting for families and the domestic church, reminding us that holiness is most often formed in ordinary, hidden, daily faithfulness.
How to live March LITurgically:
- Entrust your home, marriage and children to St. Joseph’s protection.
- Pray the Litany of St. Joseph throughout the month.
- Create or visit a St. Joseph altar, especially around March 19.
- Embrace simplicity, diligence and trust during Lent, imitating St. Joseph’s quiet faithfulness.
Reflect on how God works powerfully through the ordinary moments of family life. As March leads us from Lent toward Holy Week, St. Joseph helps us walk steadily, faithfully and humbly with our Lord.
- March 3 – St. Katharine Drexel
What we celebrate
St. Katharine Drexel gave her immense wealth entirely to God, dedicating her life to serving Native American and African-American communities through education and evangelization. Her missionary heart is especially significant in South Dakota.
How to live it LITurgically
Learn about her work and connection to South Dakota.
Pray for missionaries and educators.
Practice intentional generosity as a family—donate, volunteer or share what you have.
Offer your time, talent and treasure back to God in small, daily ways.
- March 17 – St. Patrick
What we celebrate
St. Patrick brought the Gospel to Ireland through courage, perseverance and deep trust in God. Once enslaved, he later returned to evangelize the land of his captivity, showing the power of forgiveness and obedience.
How to live it LITurgically
Talk about St. Patrick as a missionary saint, not just a cultural icon.
Use the shamrock to teach and reflect on the mystery of the Holy Trinity.
Pray for missionaries and for courage to live and share the faith.
Celebrate with a simple green-themed meal or treat, keeping Lent in mind.
- March 19 – St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
What we celebrate
St. Joseph is the faithful guardian of the Holy Family—protector, provider and model of humble obedience. He reminds us that holiness is often lived quietly, faithfully and without recognition.
How to live it LITurgically
Create a St. Joseph altar with bread, candles, flowers, foods and a picture or statue of St. Joseph. (Visit LivingLIT.org for ideas.)
Bake or share traditional St. Joseph breads or pastries.
Pray for fathers, workers, marriages and families.
Entrust your family to St. Joseph’s protection and care. Offer this prayer as a family: St. Joseph, faithful guardian of Jesus and tender protector of Mary, we place our home, our family and all our needs into your loving care. Teach us to trust God as you did, work diligently, love sacrificially, and live faithfully each day. Protect our homes, strengthen marriages, guide children and pray for us always. Amen.
- March 25 – The Annunciation of the Lord
What we celebrate
On the Annunciation, we celebrate Mary’s fiat—her courageous “yes” to God—and the moment
the Word became flesh. The Church celebrates this feast exactly nine months before Christmas, a perfect example of how ordered and thoughtful our liturgical year is. God’s plan unfolds in perfect timing, inviting us to trust him in our own lives.
How to live it LITurgically
Pray the Angelus together as a family.
Traditionally, waffles are enjoyed on this solemnity.
Light a candle in honor of the Incarnation.
Talk with children about listening for God’s voice and responding with trust.
- Holy Week (Palm Sunday through Easter Vigil)
What we celebrate
Holy Week is the heart of the liturgical year, guiding us through Christ’s Passion, Death and burial as we prepare for the joy of his Resurrection. It is the story of our salvation, lived and experienced in real time through the Church’s sacred liturgies.
How to live it LITurgically
Palm Sunday: Attend Mass to usher in Holy Week. Bring a blessed palm home and place it in a special spot as a reminder of Christ’s triumph and our call to follow him.
Holy Thursday: Reflect on the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood. Attend Mass if possible, and remember Christ’s gift of himself in the Eucharist.
Good Friday: Enter a day of silence and prayer, offering gratitude to our Lord for dying for us. Meditate on his suffering and love. Pray the Stations of the Cross.
Holy Saturday: Experience the sacredness of the week and the unfolding story of salvation. Stay present—do not rush to Easter—but walk intentionally through the mystery of Christ’s Passion and Death.
*For accompaniment in bringing the liturgical life of the Church into your home, celebrating the fullness of Holy Week, and journeying through all 50 days of Easter, visit the Living LIT website and be sure to tune in to the Living LIT podcast.
